Alignment with Award Category
Dr. Contrafattoโs long-standing scholarly dedication, his leadership in internationally funded and collaborative research initiatives, and his sustained contribution to advancing sustainability and ethical accounting practices strongly align with the criteria for the Best Researcher Award. His interdisciplinary methods, commitment to social impact, and record of scholarly excellence position him as a leading figure in sustainability accounting
University of Sussex | United Kingdom
Profile
๐Early Academic Pursuitsย
Education and Training
Dr. Massimo Contrafatto began his academic journey with distinction, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy, in July 2001 with a perfect score of 110/110. His dedication to excellence in business management and accounting was evident early on. This commitment led him to pursue a PhD in Social and Environmental Accounting and Reporting at the same university. During his doctoral studies, he spent an intensive 21 months as a visiting PhD researcher at Glasgow University, engaging deeply with the Department of Accounting and Finance and the Centre for Social and Environmental Accounting Research (CSEAR). Mentored by renowned academics such as Prof. R. Gray and Prof. K. McPhail, Dr. Contrafatto focused on understanding corporate motivations behind social and environmental reportingโan area that would shape his lifelong research agenda.
๐ผProfessional Endeavorsย
Academic Positions
Dr. Contrafatto’s professional academic career began as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Bergamo and the University of St. Andrews. He collaborated with eminent scholars like Prof. Jan Bebbington and Prof. John Burns to explore sustainability reporting within social enterprises. His early academic positions included Assistant Professor and later Associate Professor at the University of Bergamo, where he taught a wide range of accounting and sustainability courses. From 2016 to 2021, he held a tenured position as Associate Professor in Accounting and Accountability. In January 2022, Dr. Contrafatto was appointed Reader in Accounting for Sustainability at the University of Sussex Business School. He also serves as Director of the PhD Programme in Accounting and Finance and as the Convenor of the Research Mobilizing Group in โSustainability, Accounting, Finance and Economicsโ (SAFE RMG). Additionally, he maintains honorary affiliations with the University of Dundee and has held teaching roles at Strathclyde and St. Andrews Universities.
๐Contributions and Research Focus on Accounting And Sustainability
A leading figure in sustainability accounting, Dr. Contrafatto has made significant contributions to the field of social and environmental accounting. His research encompasses sustainability transformation, decision-making, strategic management accounting, and the institutionalization of sustainability reporting. His interdisciplinary projects unite researchers across Europe, including those at the University Autonoma of Madrid, University of Urbino, Queenโs University Belfast, and University of Sussex. His ongoing projectsโsuch as โIdentities, Accounting and Decision-Making for Sustainable Transformationโ and โAccounting and Accountability for COVIDโโdemonstrate his commitment to addressing real-world issues through accounting research. His work is often characterized by a qualitative approach and an emphasis on accountability, ethics, and corporate transparency.
๐Accolades and Recognitionย
Dr. Contrafatto’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He received the prestigious AIDEA Award for an outstanding research article in 2014 from the Italian Management, Accounting, and Finance Academic Association. His work continues to influence both academia and industry, and he regularly acts as a PhD examiner in Italy and the UK. His national academic qualification for full professorship in Italy further underscores his academic standing.
๐ย Impact and Influenceย
Community Impact
Over the years, Dr. Contrafatto has shaped the academic landscape of sustainability accounting and business ethics. Through his roles as lecturer, supervisor, mentor, and programme director, he has inspired a new generation of researchers and practitioners. His modulesโranging from โContemporary Issues in Accountingโ to โInternational Corporate Reportingโ and โAdvanced Qualitative Research Methodsโโhave empowered students to critically engage with pressing issues in accounting and sustainability. Moreover, his participation in international research projects and his leadership in organizing academic events, such as the 2023 Research Capacity Building Workshop at the University of Sussex, have contributed to the global academic communityโs growth and cohesion.
๐ฎLegacy and Future Contributionsย